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Black History and Culture from the UMass Lowell Archives

Dick Gregory on campus

           newspaper photo of african american man with a beard (dick gregory)   

               Image #1 Lowell Sun Feb 26, 1975, Center for Lowell History Microfilm Collection.

Dick Gregory was an African-American comedian, monologist, and author who exposed bigotry and racism in the United States. He became immensely popular in comedy clubs and the media. His stand up comedic performances transitioned into political activism when he protested the Vietnam War and racial injustice. He was known for fasting throughout his life and his acts of civil disobedience led to multiple arrests. In the late 1970's he became a speaker and author, promoting peace and civil rights as well as vegetarianism. He authored a number of books including Nigger: An Autobiography, Dick Gregory’s Political Primer, Dick Gregory’s Natural Diet for Folks Who Eat, Dick Gregory’s Bible Tales and Write Me In. Gregory came to the university campus as part of Black History Week on February 27th, 1975, speaking on South Campus in "the little Theater" in Mahoney Hall. He discussed several topics, including Watergate, hunger, and the Kennedy and King assassinations. A second appearance took place on December 4th, 1978, at Cumnock Hall for which the charge of admission was $1.00.

                                                                           typed page announcing that dick gregory is to speak at university of lowell in 1978

                 Image #2 Press Release for Dick Gregory at University of Lowell, Nov. 11, 1978. 

 

Sources

The Lowell Sun Newspaper February 26, 1975, Center for Lowell History Microfilm Collection.